Effective Communication
Never stop praying. – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Colossians 4:2-6
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
The Importance of Communication in Business
Research indicates that communication plays a role in 90% of all business transactions. Clear and effective communication is not just a skill but a necessity for success. While it may seem challenging, it is a skill that can be developed and mastered over time.
At its core, effective communication involves the exchange of thoughts, ideas, information, and messages between individuals or groups. However, true communication only occurs when the intended message is understood (Joel Garfinkle).
Steps to Clear and Effective Communication
Joel Garfinkle outlines practical steps to improve communication:
1. Stay on Message:
Identify the key point you want your audience to understand and express it clearly and concisely.
2. Make it a Two-Way Conversation:
Understand your audience’s perspective and adapt your communication to meet their needs.
3. Ensure Clarity:
Continually evaluate whether your message is clear and makes sense to your audience.
4. Take Responsibility for Miscommunication:
If your audience does not understand, the responsibility lies with the communicator to clarify and adjust.
5. Listen to Feedback:
Listening is an essential part of communication. Pay close attention to your audience’s feedback to ensure your message is being received as intended.
6. Respect Your Audience:
Effective communication is not self-centered. It focuses on what the audience needs and values, ensuring the message resonates with them.
Communicating with the Father
Just as effective communication is vital in human interactions, it is equally essential in our relationship with the Father. We reach out to Him through prayer, petition, and intercession. The Scriptures offer clear examples and guidance on how to pray effectively.
Our primary goal in prayer is to align ourselves with the Father’s will, praying that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Sadly, we often reverse this process, trying to persuade the Father to fulfill our desires instead of seeking His will to be done.
Paul’s Example of Prayer
Paul presents a model for effective communication with the Father. He emphasizes the importance of establishing a consistent prayer life. He explains that it is all about developing a prayerful mental attitude. ESV notes suggest that Children of the King should strive to maintain “continual personal fellowship with God, and a constant awareness of His presence throughout each day.” How is this achieved? It requires a personal commitment and dedication to persistent, frequent, and ongoing conversations in prayer.
Although maintaining an uninterrupted dialogue with the Father may seem overwhelming, the key is to develop a heart that is both dependent on Him and attuned to His omnipresence. While spoken prayers are a valuable way to foster this connection, ultimately, it is the attitude of the heart that matters most. Paul often prayed not only for his own needs but also for opportunities to communicate with those outside the family of God. He was committed to a broader mission of sharing God’s love and grace with others.
REFLECT & PRAY
There are times when prayer seems unproductive or ineffective, as if it only stays within the walls of the room. In such moments, the answer isn’t to stop praying but to continue. As William Barclay wisely noted, “Even for the best of us, there come times when prayer seems to be unproductive and pointless and to penetrate no further than the walls of the room in which we pray. At such a time, the remedy is not to stop but to go on praying; for in those who pray, spiritual dryness cannot last.”
Father, teach me to pray effectively so that Your will is done on earth as it is in heaven.
INSIGHT
The Prayers of Paul: Kingdom-Focused Prayer
Take a moment to explore the prayers of Paul as recorded in the Scriptures, Colossians 1 and Ephesians 1. Upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Paul’s way of praying is quite different from that of the children of the King. When we come together in groups to pray, we often spend time asking for things for people we don’t know personally, as well as for those facing illness and other health issues. While these prayers are very important in our community, Paul’s focus was clearly different.
Paul’s primary goal was the advancement of the gospel and the spiritual growth of those in God’s Forever Family. He aimed to encourage them to mature in their faith and walk with God. He sincerely prayed for their character and development, so that the essence and character of the Lord Jesus Christ would be reflected in their lives.
Being Grateful and Alert in Prayer
Paul encouraged the children of the King in Colossians 4:2-3: to “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains.”
Paul’s prayers were deliberate and earnest. He put his whole heart into it and urged us to commit ourselves to prayer, emphasizing the importance of staying alert and thankful. The Greek word for “alert” or “watchful” is gregoreo, which expresses the idea of “mental vigilance and sensitivity.” This term is often translated as “watchful, vigilant, or alert.” As we pray, we are called to stay mentally engaged, aware of changing circumstances, and ready to adjust our prayers accordingly.
Praying for Open Doors
Paul’s prayers were centered on opportunities to share the gospel. He prayed for “open doors,” meaning opportunities to lead people to the Lord Jesus Christ. His life was dedicated to making the most of these opportunities, fully aware that many people’s minds were closed to the Truth. Paul interceded for the Holy Spirit to open the hearts and minds of those resistant to the gospel.
Even while he was imprisoned, Paul’s prayers weren’t for his own freedom. Instead, he prayed for opportunities for ministry. As Wiersbe noted, “Paul did not ask for the prison doors to be opened, but that doors of ministry might be opened (1 Corinthians 16:9, Acts 14:27).” His prayers consistently focused on spiritual growth and expanding God’s kingdom rather than on personal safety or material needs. Wiersbe further observed, “It is worth noting that in all of Paul’s prison prayers, his concern was not for personal safety or material help, but for spiritual character and blessing.”
Dependence on the Father for Success
Paul’s success in ministry was rooted in his unwavering dependence on the Father. He knew that it was the Father who not only opened opportunities for him but also gave him the insight and skills needed to share the gospel effectively. This awareness of divine support guided his actions and choices, helping him face challenges with confidence and grace. As Melick explained, “His success was because he looked to the Lord to supply the wisdom for the opportunity.”
The Power of Prayer in Ministry
A story about Charles Spurgeon, the well-known preacher, illustrates the importance of prayer in ministry. Spurgeon himself was giving a visitor to Spurgeon’s Tabernacle in London a tour. Spurgeon asked, “Would you like to see the powerhouse of this ministry?” Then he took the visitor to a lower auditorium, explaining, “It is here that we get our power, for while I am preaching upstairs, hundreds of my people are in this room praying” (Wiersbe). This story highlights the vital role of prayer in supporting and empowering ministry efforts.
Paul’s example challenges us to align our prayers with the priorities of the kingdom. His focus on spreading the gospel, encouraging spiritual growth, and relying on the Father serves as a model for believers to follow in their own prayer lives.
Effective communication with God requires clarity, persistence, and a heart aligned with His purpose. In prayer, it is not about eloquence or length but about a sincere connection and dependence on the Father’s will.
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© Dr. H 2025
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